Recovery Canada News

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ElkoJohn Commented 7 days ago in Living

"One of the most effective self-help systems using CBT is the Abraham Low Self-Help Systems.

The mission is to use the cognitive-behavioral, peer-to-peer, self-help training system developed by Abraham Low, MD, to help individuals gain skills to lead more peaceful and productive lives.

Abraham Low Self-Help Systems was founded in 1937 and consists of more than 500 community-based peer-led self-help meetings in North America and beyond, telephone meetings and online forums. The Abraham Low Institute was founded in 1989 and developed The Power to Change for Schools and The Power to Change for Corrections. The two organizations merged in January 2008 and officially incorporated under Abraham Low Self-Help Systems in January 2009.

The organization is funded by donations of those who use the system..."

Growth in Canada

Recovery Canada consists of more than 30 community-based peer-led self-help meetings across Canada and is diligently working on expanding and having more of an online presence.

50th Anniversary

Recovery International began operations in Canada in 1959. We are celebrating our 50th anniverary this year, in 2009!

JumpStart for Youth

Diane Matier and Rosanne did a JumpStart training for an organization call Pathfinders Youth Society on Thursday June 18th. There were two councilors and 22 participants present. The Pathfinder Youth Centre Society (PYCS) is a nonprofit charitable organization that works with youth providing mentorship programs. This was our first time doing a JumpStart training together. Our goal for the three hour presentation was to have two people give an example and we are very happy to announce that that we met that goal. We are hoping to get invited back again and are very happy with the results.

Out of the Shadows

Phyllis Sanderson and Diane Matier attended the "Out of the Shadow" film presented at Douglas College, New Westminster Campus during May Mental Health Week. It was a movie made by a daughter whose mother suffered with Schizophrenia. It showed how the journey to get help affected the entire family. It was very insightful and informative. There were lots of comments on CBT and our Recovery Literature was welcomed at a promotional table. Many thanks to Phyllis for getting the connections for us to get the word out about Recovery International Meetings. Thanks Diane and Phyllis!

Happiness Day Promotion

On March 14th, Phyllis Sanderson and Diane Matier went to hear Haddy Abra speak about happiness. He commented on how important it was to self endorse (honor oneself) and how smiling and endorsing others improves everyone's mood. He said 'smile' before you get out of bed in the morning. So we can move our muscles to do that. We wore and gave out labels with the spotting phrase, 'Don't look regretfully into the past or fearfully into the future', and put out some Recovery International brochures on a table. We got a free gratitude journal and enjoyed refreshments. We are endorsing for the effort of doing a little PR while having fun. Thankyou Diane and Phyllis!

News from Area 201 Western Canada

We opened a new RI group in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. Getting the doors open took will to patience. Even after finding the right location and setting a start date there was the surprise of a flood that prevented the washroom construction and the start date to be delayed. The new leader Phyllis Sanderson just kept spotting. "I will not put a limit on the amount of discomfort I am willing to bear" and today that meeting is up and running. Phyllis's assistants Sally and Teesa are a great help and with advertisements in the local newspaper by Carol, and in Craigs list by Danielle, we are getting calls. For starting her meeting Phyllis received the traditional "flexible pen" and voluntary contribution case to use at her new group from her former leader and mentor Diane Matier. Diane says anyone can become an average leader by "Practicing plainness, averageness and humility over arrogance, exceptionality and self-importance", "making your mental health your supreme goal" and a little help from your Recovery friends. Getting a group opened is a group effort with many part acts. Endorse everyone!